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Articles by Peterson Tumwebaze
Nyama choma at the Royal Car Wash
Believe it or not, The Royal Car Wash, or simply Car Wash, is one of the better known spots in Kigali. The knowledge of this place goes beyond the borders as most people coming to Rwanda for the first time are usually on the lookout for this spot. As you have surmised from the name, Car Wash is indeed that, a car wash spot.
Egyptian Aviation Academy expresses interest in Rwanda
TheEgyptian Aviation Academy (EAA) has expressed interest in opening a branch in Rwanda in order to assist the region whenever necessary. This was revealed this week when Rwanda’s Ambassador to Egypt, Sheikh Saleh Habimana, visited the academy. He was accompanied by his Egyptian counterpart, Namira Negm to assess how the school can start enrolling Rwandan nationals and held talks with the Director of the Academy, Captain Elias Sadek, and other personalities.
Five years after their ban, used undergarments still on market
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, last week, announced a new initiative to help reduce import of used clothes for health reasons as well as part of efforts to ensure self-dignity and job creation for the nation. The announcement follows a similar one made years earlier. About five years ago, Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) announced a ban on importation and sale of used undergarments, particularly for health reasons.
RwandAir offers 15% discount to African Union Summit delegates
RwandAir has offered a 15 per cent discount to delegates attending the 27th African Union Summit in Kigali due next month. The discount, according to Patrick Manzi, senior manager in-charge of promotions and development, is designed to facilitate delegates with most convenient and safest means of travel. However, to enjoy the discount, Manzi said, delegates will be required to prove that their travel is for the conference and ensure they book and pay for their tickets by July 8.
Gatsibo woman killed, houseboy suspected
It was a somber mood on Monday in Kabarore Town, Gatsibo District following the news of the death of Gaudence Uwihoreye a mother of two. In an interview, police spokesperson Eastern Region, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, confirmed the incident and said investigations were still on to ascertain circumstances under which the deceased met her death. “The body has been taken to Kiziguro Hospital for postmortem and we have not received the results as to what caused the death.
Last batch of RDF medics depart for CAR mission
The contingent is a final medical team of the RDF Level Two Hospital deployment in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). They are joining another batch of 19 colleagues that arrived in Bangui two months ago. The first medical team, with equipment, armoured ambulances and other soft skin vehicles serving in the peacekeeping missions, left Kigali to Central African Republic on January 20.
How Nyagatare rice farmer became a millionaire
As an old adage goes, the best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. Peter Muyongo a resident of Kayigiro village, Gitegure cell, Tabagwe sector in Nyagatare District, in the Eastern Province, took this saying seriously. Seven years ago, Muyongo abandoned cattle rearing for rice farming, a decision that left many in Nyagatare puzzled. After rearing indigenous cows for almost half of his life with no returns, the 45-year-old decided it was time to venture into rice farming.
Muslims head to Mecca for Hajj
At least 65 Rwandan Muslims are set to fly out of the country today for the annual Hajj (Holy pilgrimage) in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Jamiru Murangwa, the head of the Muslim commission in charge of the Hajj urged the group to be mindful of the security advisory they received when they reach Saudi Arabia to avoid accidents. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a holy journey to Mecca performed by all capable Muslims.
36% of HIV-positive children have no access to drugs - study
As much as 36 per cent of children with HIV have no access to medical care, a joint survey by Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) shows. Vianney Byiringiro Rusisiro, a senior paediatric officer at RBC, said effective treatment of HIV-positive children is hindered by mindsets of parents who do not reveal their children’s status.
Why holiday makers should choose books over television
It is common knowledge that one of the most natural activities holiday makers will embark on is watching television. Naturally, watching the movie Harry Potter is interesting and time saving as compared to hours of reading the text. Nevertheless, putting down the remote and picking up a book may yield unique benefits. To be fair, there is so much more to explore in the world of television that actually helps children.
Cycling: Hakizimana wins combative attacker at stage 7 of Tour of Colombia
Team Rwanda cyclist Camera Hakizimana was named the best combative attacker during stage seven on Tuesday at the on-going 2016 Tour of Colombia that started on June 13 and expected to end 26, across the South American. The combative stage winner means the Rwandan was the most aggressive rider during that stage. Despite finishing on the 98th position, Hakizimana was identified as the most aggressive from Caldas to Manizales, covering a distance of 177.9km.
Uwacu calls for more efforts to promote reading culture
Rwandans must work hard to shun the oral traditional culture by encouraging children to read a variety of books not only in schools but also at home. The call was made by Julienne Uwacu, the minister for sports and culture, during the launch of ‘Children Readership Preferences Study’ organised by Save the Children Rwanda last week.
PICTORIAL: Rwandans chart national agenda at 14th Umushyikirano
The 14th annual National Dialogue Council, or Umushyikirano, closed in Kigali yesterday, with President Paul Kagame urging delegates and the nation to recommit to the country’s development agenda and to continuously improve service delivery. The meeting attracted about 2000 participants drawn from across the country and abroad, while millions others followed the event through live TV and radio broadcasts. Below are some of the pictures taken at the event.
Twitter increases character limit for posts
Popular social media platform, Twitter, has made adjustments on the way the platform works with an intention to increase the characters and letters in a post. Ordinarily, the platform allows a single post to have a maximum of 140 characters. However, this week, the platform announced that they had changed what types of content use up the 140 character limit.
How Ujeneza is turning disposable bottles into a profitable business
39-year-old Germaine Ujeneza is a popular artisan in the Northern Province because of her tremendous skills in using disposable bottles to make curtains, plastic flowers and other decorations. Out of this hand work, she has managed to pay for her husband’s tuition at university for four years and, will soon be moving into her own home which she built using proceeds from this business. She says that for her, disposable bottles are not rubbish because it’s all she needs to get her products done.
So long, 140! Twitter may soon let you share 10,000 characters per post
Twitter is said to be testing a new product that let's users share up to 10,000 characters at a time, potentially moving beyond the 140 character limit that has defined the social network since it launched a decade ago, according to a report Tuesday from Re/code. The current plan is reportedly to show just the first 140 characters in the news feed and then allow readers to click to expand the tweet and see the other 9,860 remaining characters. The new option may launch later this quarter.
Burera: Girinka beneficiaries vow to lead drive against malnutrition
Beneficiaries of the one-cow-per-family programme, commonly known as Girinka, from Burera District have said they will champion the fight against malnutrition in their communities, by sharing milk with their neighbours. They made the pledge on Wednesday at the conclusion of Girinka Week in Gitovu Sector in Burera District The event attracted officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), Rwanda Agriculture Board, among others.
EALA commends Rwanda on Swahili as official language
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA yesterday unanimously passed a vote of appreciation to the government for adding Swahili as one of its official languages. Kiswahili has been fronted as the language of identity within the East African Community (EAC), with key symbols of integration like the bloc’s anthem in the language. “Rwanda passed a draft law granting the addition that the Swahili language becomes another of its official languages.
Rwanda tops Africa in WEF ranking on investment profile
Rwanda could see increased interest from foreign investors following a favourable ranking by the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitive Report 2014-2015, economists and private sector players predict. Rwanda is the most efficiently governed country in Africa and seventh globally, according to the new ranking released this week. “Rwanda’s strong showing was secured, thanks, in large part, to the low level of waste in government spending,” says WEF summary report in part.
Rwandan peacekeepers commemorate Genocide
Rwandan military and police peacekeepers in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Abyei and Haiti were yesterday joined by residents in those countries to pay tribute to the over one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Fare thee well: Kagame, family say adieu to Asteria Rutagambwa
President Paul Kagame and his family yesterday paid their last respects to Asteria Rutagambwa as she was laid to rest in her hometown of Ruhango. The requiem mass was attended by more than 2000 family and friends from Rwanda, the region and beyond, including a delegation from Uganda led by Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kutesa.
Genocide suspect Murekezi arrested in Malawi
Media reports from Malawi indicate that Genocide fugitive Vincent Murekezi has been arrested from the southern African country. Murekezi’s arrest that was reported Thursday morning by Malawian newspapers follows controversy surrounding his recent arrest and release under unclear circumstances.
Madhvani Group to invest Rwf60bn in Kabuye sugar plant
Talks between the Government and Uganda-based sugar moguls, Madhvani Group, are at an advanced stage regarding the latter’s plans to expand Kabuye Sugar Works to a production capacity of up to 55,000 metric tonnes a year. Currently, the plant produces between 10,000 and 15,000 metric tonnes annually. Madhvani Group, which owns the plant, have already submitted a proposal on the proposed expansion and modalities of cooperation with the government.
Editorial Cartoon
South Sudan’s government said Friday it was pulling out of peace talks to end a 20-month long civil war after rebel forces split despite international threats of sanctions.
Kigali airport ranked 5th in Africa
Kigali International Airport has been ranked the fifth-best airport in Africa this year by a Canadian aviation web site. The web site, www.sleepinginairports.net, is an internationally recognised travellers’ online guide that was established in 1996 as a platform for passengers to share their airport experiences around the world.
40 teen mothers get skills training in Musanze
A total of 42 teen mothers last week completed a four-month intensive training in vocational skills. The teen mothers, all of them from Musanze District, Northern Province, acquired the training under the Miss Sharifa Umuhoza initiative. The initiative was started by former 2016 Miss Rwanda contestant, Sharifa Umuhoza, who emerged the 4th runner-up, as well as miss popularity, to help vulnerable girls.
Rwanda police to protect CAR premier
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Protection Support Unit (PSU) currently on a peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic (CAR) has been assigned to take charge of the security detail of the newly appointed prime minister, Simplice Sarandji. The PSU, comprising 140 police officers headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benoit Kayijuka, is the first of its kind RNP has deployed in any international peacekeeping mission.
U.S. embassy honours three Rwandan women of courage
The U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, Erica J. Barks-Ruggles, on Wednesday honoured three Rwandan women at an event held at the embassy’s residence to celebrate Women’s History Month. The three women, selected from nominations submitted by U.S. Embassy Kigali’s 40,085 Facebook fans, were recognised during the Embassy’s third annual Rwandan Women of Courage awards for their exceptional service and leadership, according to a statement.
Ibimina: How informal groups are changing lives in rural Rwanda
For years, Jean d’Amour Uyisabye lived in a rented old and tiny house in Nyagisozi sector in Nyaruguru District. He always struggled to put food on the table. Every day, he wondered what miracle would push him out of that complex situation. But early last year, Uyisabye decided to join hands with about 30 other vulnerable residents in his village and, together, they formed a group they later named Abanyamurava (The Courageous) with the aim of working towards uplifting their living conditions.
Ugandans fundraise for Gahini Cathedral
Ugandans and friends of Gahini Cathedral will today converge at the Lugogo MTN Arena in Kampala to raise funds for the construction of a new cathedral. Gahini, is the oldest Anglican church establishment in Rwanda, located in the Eastern Province near the border with Uganda and Tanzania. It is known to be the spiritual home of the Anglican movement since the early 1930s. The project is budgeted to cost Rwf2 billion with construction works expected to be completed by next year.
Rwandans in Uganda mark Genocide anniversary
Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in Uganda, over the weekend, joined their compatriots back home in remembering lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Hundreds of mourners gathered at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) and carried out commemoration activities that included a public lecture by Dr Fredrick Goloba-Mutebi, a renowned academic and researcher.
445,000 households to access off-grid power under new BRD Rwf4bn funding
Private sector-lead projects geared at boosting access to power will now find it easier to secure funding, thanks to a new deal signed between Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) and commercial banks. The multimillion dollar funding agreement seeks to enable the banks to finance off-grid power initiatives by individuals and private energy developers, according to Eric Rutabana, the BRD chief executive officer.
East Africa: EABC Moots New Strategies to Benefit From African Continental Free Trade Zone
By Peterson TumwebazeRegional governments should move fast and expedite integration process to give the East African Community a competitive edge in proposed continental free trade zone, the East African Business Council (EABC) leaders have said. Last week, 44 African Heads of State and government officials signed the historic agreement which will enable the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA).
Nigeria: Rwanda, Nigeria Sign Deal to Boost Air Transport
By Peterson TumwebazeEfforts by the national flag carrier, RwandAir, to expand its footprint across West Africa have been boosted following the signing of new airspace agreement between government of Rwanda and Nigeria. The agreement was signed on Monday in Kigali by Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwanda's state minister for transport and his counterpart Hadi Abubakar Sirika, Nigerian state minister in charge of aviation.
Rwanda, Nigeria sign deal to boost air transport
Efforts by the national flag carrier, RwandAir, to expand its footprint across West Africa have been boosted following the signing of new airspace agreement between government of Rwanda and Nigeria. The agreement was signed on Monday in Kigali by Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwanda’s state minister for transport and his counterpart Hadi Abubakar Sirika, Nigerian state minister in charge of aviation.
Rwanda gets Rwf885m grant to fast-track integration projects
Rwanda will receive €832,615 (about Rwf885 million) grant as part of the support provided to the country under the COMESA adjustment facility (CAF) to expedite the implementation of regional integration programmes. CAF is funded by the 10th European Development Fund under its regional integration support mechanism programme, a statement from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) indicates.
Rwanda Secures Rwf58 Billion Loan for Ngoma-Ramiro Road Upgrade
By Peterson TumwebazeThe Japanese government has extended to the Government of Rwanda a loan facility of $68m (about Rwf58billion) toward upgrading the Ngoma- Ramiro road in Eastern Province. The financing deal was signed Thursday at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in Kigali. The loan facility, with a repayment period of 40 years, has an annual interest rate of 0.01%, after a 10-year grace period.
East Africa: EABC Calls for Policies That Support Women Engaged in Cross-Border Trade
By Peterson TumwebazeRegional governments have been urged to design policies that will facilitate and attract more women to engage in cross-border trade. Jim Kabeho, the East African Business Council (EABC) chairman, said this would help improve regional trade and also strengthen the East African Community (EAC) integration process, according to a statement from the organisation. "We recognise the role of women toward increasing cross-border trade.
Rwanda Gets Rwf885 Million Grant to Fast-Track Integration Projects
By Peterson TumwebazeRwanda will receive €832,615 (about Rwf885 million) grant as part of the support provided to the country under the COMESA adjustment facility (CAF) to expedite the implementation of regional integration programmes. CAF is funded by the 10th European Development Fund under its regional integration support mechanism programme, a statement from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) indicates.
Rwanda: U.S.$53 Million Deal to Boost Cross-Border Trade
By Peterson TumwebazeGovernment and TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) have renewed partnership aimed at accelerating cross- border trade. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and TradeMark East Africa on Tuesday signed a financing agreement worth $53 million grant (about Rwf45 billion) to help support interventions that will result into job creation, poverty reduction and increase cross border trade.
Rwf45bn deal to boost cross-border trade
Government and TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) have renewed partnership aimed at accelerating cross- border trade. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and TradeMark East Africa on Tuesday signed a financing agreement worth $53 million grant (about Rwf45 billion) to help support interventions that will result into job creation, poverty reduction and increase cross border trade.
Rwanda: Commercial Bank of Africa Officially Launches Rwanda Operations
By Peterson TumwebazeCommercial Bank of Africa (CBA) yesterday officially unveiled its operations in Rwanda. Desterio Oyatsi, the CBA Group chairman, said the bank would work to increase access to financial services especially among the unbanked segments of the population. The Bank officials pledged also committed to offering customers innovative and diversified services.
Commercial Bank of Africa officially launches Rwanda operations
Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) yesterday officially unveiled its operations in Rwanda. Desterio Oyatsi, the CBA Group chairman, said the bank would work to increase access to financial services especially among the unbanked segments of the population. The Bank officials pledged also committed to offering customers innovative and diversified services.
Why more real estate developers have embraced affordable housing
The real estate sector was one of the key contributors to Rwanda’s economic growth last year, adding 8 per cent to the national GDP growth during the fourth quarter of 2017. According to GDP figures released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on March 14, real estate services such as individual homes occupancy or sales on homes occupancy grew by 5 per cent in 2017.
Rwanda: Why More Real Estate Developers Have Embraced Affordable Housing
opinion By Peterson TumwebazeThe real estate sector was one of the key contributors to Rwanda's economic growth last year, adding 8 per cent to the national GDP growth during the fourth quarter of 2017. According to GDP figures released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on March 14, real estate services such as individual homes occupancy or sales on homes occupancy grew by 5 per cent in 2017.
Airtel-Tigo merger kicks off with ‘Go from good to best’ campaign
Bharti Airtel and Tigo Rwanda have officially started the process to merge assets and services of the two firms, months after the takeover deal was approved by the regulator. “This is the first phase of the process and it involves harmonisation of services of two firms,” Philip Amoateng, the Airtel managing director, said during the launch of a campaign dubbed “Go from good to best”.
How a housemaid defied odds to become a model farmer
Agnes Nyinawumuntu, a former housemaid is today a model coffee farmer in Rukara, Kayonza District. From a 10 hactare coffee farm, she earns millions and employs dozens of people. This is a feat the former housemaid never dreamed of 10 years ago.
Rwanda: Clean Water, Sanitation Get Rwf17 Billion Boost
By Peterson TumwebazeMore than 1.3 million Rwandans will have full access to clean water and better sanitation services following the signing of a new financing deal yesterday. The Government of Rwanda and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) signed the financing agreement worth $20 million (about Rwf17 billion) to support a water and sanitation project in the country.
Rwanda: How a Housemaid Defied Odds to Become a Model Farmer
opinion By Peterson TumwebazeAgnes Nyinawumuntu, a former housemaid is today a model coffee farmer in Rukara, Kayonza District. From a 10 hactare coffee farm, she earns millions and employs dozens of people. This is a feat the former housemaid never dreamed of 10 years ago.
Clean water, sanitation get Rwf17 billion boost
More than 1.3 million Rwandans will have full access to clean water and better sanitation services following the signing of a new financing deal yesterday. The Government of Rwanda and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) signed the financing agreement worth $20 million (about Rwf17 billion) to support a water and sanitation project in the country.
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